Pre-Health & Healthcare Pathways

Alyse Mikolas '14 shadows her mother, Sandra, a nurse practitioner, at Aurora Health Center in Kenosha. A new program designed by Sandra ...

Interested in a healthcare career?

100%
optometry school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.
92%
medical school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students. * National average: 41%
300+
pre-health students attend Carthage.
100%
occupational school acceptance rate among Carthage pre-health students.

Carthage’s Pre-Health Program offers a robust foundation in the core sciences and critical thinking, designed to prepare you for a successful career in healthcare. You’ll have the opportunity to tackle pressing health issues through hands-on learning both locally and globally. With personalized guidance and support, you’ll be empowered to explore and pursue the healthcare career path that best matches your passions and goals.

Healthcare is changing rapidly, with innovative treatments and care models emerging constantly. To succeed in this dynamic environment, healthcare professionals need not only specialized knowledge, but the flexibility to adapt. Carthage’s comprehensive program equips you with both, so you enter the field prepared to provide expert care and make an impact.

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What’s Your Focus?

Why Pre-Health at Carthage?

At Carthage, students pursuing healthcare careers receive personalized support from faculty and staff to help them on their academic journey and many opportunities to prepare for what’s next.

Work closely with faculty advisors and pre-health coordinators to explore career options and find the right path for you.
Gain hands-on experience in the field through shadowing, volunteering, and other opportunities with local healthcare partners.
Access dedicated guidance for applying to health professional schools through workshops, one-on-one support, and digital resources.

More about pre-health Opportunities

Pre-Health Pathways

Carthage offers structured pre-health pathways designed for students pursuing advanced healthcare degrees in such fields as medicine, dentistry, athletic training, physical therapy, pharmacy, physician assistant, and more.

Pre-health students work closely with faculty advisors to develop a personalized four-year academic plan, while pre-health coordinators help guide their preparation for any post-graduate studies. Students select a pathway that aligns with their career goals, with the flexibility to explore different options and switch between programs as their interests evolve. For students with unique goals, the pre-health team can also help create customized programs tailored to their needs.

Students in the pre-athletic training program work to become healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. Athletic trainers are important members of the sports medicine team and play a key role in maintaining the health and performance of athletes and active individuals.

Learn more about the pre-athletic training program

The pre-chiropractic program is for students who want to become licensed chiropractic professionals. Chiropractors focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, primarily through spinal adjustments and other manual therapies, to improve patients’ overall health and well-being.

Learn more about the pre-chiropractic program

Students seeking a career in dentistry should enter the pre-dental program. Dentists are central to maintaining oral health, which is important to overall health and well-being. They diagnose and treat oral diseases and conditions, provide preventive care such as cleanings and fluoride treatments, and educate patients on oral hygiene practices.

Learn more about the pre-dental program

Students interested in healthcare but who are unsure which program they want to pursue can enroll in a general pre-health program. Advisors will work with students as they explore their interests and different areas of focus.

Learn more about the general pre-health program

For those aspiring to become doctors, entering the pre-medical program is the first step in the journey towards medical school and a career in medicine. Help make a difference in people’s lives by diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses.

Learn more about the pre-medical program

Students in the pre-occupational therapy (OT) program will prepare for a profession focused on helping individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and work. OTs conduct assessments to understand a client’s abilities, limitations, and needs to help them achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.

Learn more about the pre-occupational therapy program

Studying pre-pharmacy is a preparatory phase for those aspiring to become pharmacists or work in related pharmaceutical fields. The program provides the necessary academic foundation, practical experience, and skills required for success in pharmacy school and beyond.

Learn more about the pre-pharmacy program

Pre-physical therapy (PT) students seek a career path in helping individuals improve their physical function and manage pain through a variety of therapeutic techniques. PTs play a vital role in assessing, treating, and managing physical impairments and functional limitations.

Learn more about the pre-physical therapy program

The pre-physician assistant (PA) program prepares students to become licensed health professionals who work under the supervision of a physician to provide a wide range of medical services. PAs are trained to perform many of the same tasks as physicians, offering high-quality care to patients in various healthcare settings.

Learn more about the pre-physician assistant program

Students in the pre-public health program work to become specialists focused on improving the health and well-being of populations and communities. Their work covers a large scope of activities aimed at preventing disease, promoting health, and enhancing quality of life on a bigger scale.

Learn more about the pre-public health program

Students interested in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and injuries in animals should enter the pre-veterinary program. Veterinarians, or vets, have an important role in maintaining the health and well-being of animals, ranging from pets to livestock to wildlife.

Learn more about the pre-veterinary program

Which major is right for you?

At Carthage, pre-health students can choose any major that aligns with their interests and career goals. Popular options include: allied health science, biology, chemistry, exercise and sport science, healthcare administration, neuroscience, nursing, and psychology. With the support of academic advisors and pre-health coordinators, students craft a personalized academic pathway that prepares them for professional school and a successful healthcare career.

Explore Carthage’s 75+ areas of study